7.2 magnitude earthquake shakes southern Mexico

Mexico appeared Saturday to have escaped major destruction after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake rattled the country, but it rekindled fears in a population that still sees daily reminders of deadly earthquakes that struck five months ago.

The Interior Department said in a statement that 50 homes suffered significant structural damage in Santiago Jamiltepec, Oaxaca state, along with other damage to the city hall and main church. The national electricity commission said nearly 1 million users lost power, but it was expected to be restored over the course of the day.

But a military helicopter carrying officials assessing damage from the quake crashed in the country’s south late Friday, killing 13 people and injuring 15, all of them on the ground. (AP)